The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College

Description

Tours start in the Visitor Centre (opposite Greenwich Pier). The Visitor Centre houses a museum of artefacts, hands-on displays, curiosities, costumes and film footage, offering you a fascinating overview of the long history of this site.

The tour tells the story of the estate’s 500 years of history: from a manor house in 1420’s, rebuilt as Greenwich Palace for Henry VII and the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I; to the commissioning of Sir Christopher Wren in 1694 by Royal warrant for the design of a Royal Hospital for Seamen; then in 1873 becoming the Royal Naval College. As the tour progresses, popular film locations will be pointed out. Films include: The Crown, Les Miserables, Thor: The Dark World, Cruella, Bridgerton and many more. For more behind the scenes film insights – book a Film Tour.

Explore the extraordinary Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College. Featuring 40,000 sq. ft of mesmerising walls and ceilings painted by Sir James Thornhill over a period of 19 years.

With an audio guide throughout (in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese Mandarin, German and Japanese), learn about the epic ceiling painting which features 200 mythological, historical and contemporary figures. Painted Hall Talks - If you’re after a live guided tour of the Painted Hall, then join one of our regular 30-minute talks exploring the history and stories behind the characters in the painting.

After you’ve explored the Painted Hall, venture into the Nelson Room to see where the body of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson was taken to prepare him for lying-in-state following the Battle of Trafalgar. You’ll learn about Lord Nelson’s life, his connection to Greenwich, his role in the Battle of Trafalgar and more. The room itself is spectacular and has a unique architecture, stonework and marble flooring.

The site tour includes a guided tour of the exquisite Chapel of St Peter & St Paul. Regarded as one of the finest neo-classical interiors in existence, this is another must-see on your visit. Rebuilt after a terrible fire, the chapel features naval themes, a spectacular altarpiece and pulpit, and an impressive ceiling design of squares and octagons in light blue and cream.

Test your skills at one of the oldest remaining Victorian Skittle Alleys in the UK, which was originally built to entertain the Naval pensioners in1864.

Inclusions-Exclusions

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